Perhaps you’ve spotted a crystal you love, picked it up, turned it over and thought: Lovely. But what am I actually supposed to do with it?

Put it in your pocket? Meditate with it? Wait for instructions from the universe?

If you’re curious about crystals but feel slightly overwhelmed by all the information, you’re very welcome here. There is plenty to explore, and you can begin with curiosity and a stone you like.

Start with the one you keep picking up

People often ask how to choose the “right” crystal.

You might be drawn to a colour, a particular pattern or the feeling of a smooth stone in your hand. Perhaps you enjoy the spiritual symbolism associated with it. Perhaps it would look lovely on your bedside table.

All perfectly good starting points.

You may hear people say that a crystal chooses you. Whether you experience that as intuition or simply an enthusiastic appreciation of purple, you can enjoy the moment.

There is no entrance exam.

What would you like it to remind you of?

A useful question is: What meaning would I like this crystal to have for me?

Within crystal traditions, different stones have different symbolic associations:

• Amethyst is often associated with tranquillity and reflection — a lovely companion for a quiet moment.
• Rose quartz is linked with love and compassion, including being kinder to yourself when your inner critic has appointed itself head of absolutely everything.
• Clear quartz is associated with clarity and intention — perhaps a reminder to choose one priority before opening another fourteen tabs.
• Smoky quartz is often linked with grounding, making it a meaningful symbol of pausing and reconnecting with the present.

These are spiritual associations rather than proven health benefits. The personal meaning you give a stone can become part of how you enjoy it.

Give it a job in your everyday life

Once you’ve chosen your crystal, find a simple way to include it in your day.

A palm stone in your pocket could remind you to pause before answering a difficult message. A crystal beside your journal might become your cue to write a few lines. A bracelet could prompt a moment of reflection whenever you notice it.

Keep the habit small enough to use.

A beautiful morning routine is all very well, but it needs to survive a missing shoe, an overflowing washing basket and somebody asking what’s for dinner at 8.15am.

Try pairing your crystal with something you already do: making your first cup of tea, getting ready for bed or sitting down with your notebook.

Meditation for people with very busy brains

If you’ve tried meditation and immediately remembered six unfinished tasks and something embarrassing you said in 2008, you have plenty of company.

Start with a minute.

Hold your crystal and notice its weight, temperature and texture. Let your breathing stay comfortable and natural. When your attention wanders, gently return to the stone in your hand.

You don’t need to achieve a spectacular state of serenity. Giving yourself a moment to notice where you are is enough for a beginning.

And if your first thought is I really must hoover under that chair, acknowledge it and come back. The chair can wait a minute.

Does it need cleansing?

In spiritual practice, cleansing a crystal is often a symbolic way of marking a fresh start or renewing an intention.

You could place it on a clean cloth, use the sound of a bell or spend a quiet moment thinking about what you would like to let go of.

Choose a method that suits both you and your stone. Water, salt and prolonged sunlight can damage some crystals, so check the care guidance for the particular piece.

There’s no need to put your entire collection through a spa weekend.

Can I simply enjoy it because it’s beautiful?

Absolutely.

Crystals have fascinating colours, textures and natural variations. Some people enjoy them as part of a spiritual practice; others collect them for their appearance or geological interest. You can appreciate several of those things at once.

Your relationship with a crystal can be as simple as: That makes me smile when I see it.

That is a lovely reason to give something a place in your home.

Come and have a browse

I’ll be at Winter WellFest at G Live, Guildford, on Saturday 7 November, with The Spirit of Ubuntu.

Whether you know your amethyst from your aventurine or you’re still at the “ooh, shiny” stage, come and say hello. I’d love to help you explore and find something you enjoy.

Curiosity welcome. Secret handshake unnecessary.